Conversations came the same week a new study ranks Wisconsin’s economy last for racial equality among all 50 U.S. states
MADISON, Wis. — As President Trump admits he urged government officials to slow down our already lagging COVID-19 testing program, Wisconsinites are continuing to speak out about his failed leadership when it comes to handling both the pandemic and the national conversation about racial justice. Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin hosted three virtual conversations with western Wisconsin residents in response to President Trump's continued push for a quick economic reopening and his ignoring of protester demands over police brutality across Wisconsin.
On Tuesday, Opportunity Wisconsin sat down with steering committee member Darren Price, owner of BP Smokehouse in Tomah and a retired Wisconsin State Patrol Major. The discussion covered what he faces not only as a small business owner, but also as a Black man in western Wisconsin and a retired law enforcement officer. He evoked both frustration and words of encouragement for viewers at this pivotal moment in time.
He made it clear that the Paycheck Protection Program has not addressed the rippling economic effects that COVID-19 has had on his community, and reminded us that, “[the Administration's] priorities are pretty clear - it’s for the larger corporations. That’s just the way they’ve always operated. You had companies like the LA Lakers and multimillion dollar food chains that were getting huge checks, while small businesses that keep the economy running aren’t seeing that aid. It’s very frustrating.”
What’s more, in reflecting on his 27.5 years in uniform and what he’s faced over the past few months, Price pointed out that this pandemic has exposed the nation. The great deal of mistrust and lack of respect that exacerbates racial inequalities.
WATCH OPPORTUNITY WISCONSIN’S CONVERSATION WITH DARREN PRICE HERE.
On Wednesday, we connected with Anne Brown, a retired Eau Claire attorney and senior on Social Security Disability. Anne shared she’s on the brink of losing her home even after spending prior years living in her car. Her medical expenses are not matched by Social Security Disability payments, and as an extremely immunocompromised individual, she deeply fears the rapid pace at which Wisconsin is reopening.
She recalled President Trump’s statement that “some people will die,” and reminded us that because she is so susceptible to illness, she’s likely to be in the category of people who the president will expect to die, “There is a perception that if you are broke, it's kind of your fault. I think the Trump administration sort of has this bootstrap thinking where we should all be able to make it on our own without any assistance from the government and I don't think that's true. There are lots of people like me.”
WATCH OPPORTUNITY WISCONSIN’S CONVERSATION WITH ANNE BROWN HERE.
Opportunity Wisconsin closed out the week with a conversation moderated by steering committee member and UW-Eau Claire history professor, Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton. Dr. Ducksworth-Lawton spoke with Violet Kilmurray and Jaylin Carlson, two racial justice organizers from Eau Claire, who have been on the front lines of the fight for change in western Wisconsin.
WATCH OPPORTUNITY WISCONSIN’S CONVERSATION WITH VIOLET KILMURRAY AND JAYLIN CARLSON HERE.
These conversations come on the heels of a new study ranking Wisconsin’s economy last for racial equality among all 50 U.S. states. While Wisconsin workers continue to suffer, President Trump continues his push to cut off unemployment benefits and force workers back on the job before it’s safe. Opportunity Wisconsin recently released a new graphic outlining the tough choices Wisconsin workers continue to face as corporations get billions.
What the economy actually needs to recover is a government that helps end this pandemic, helps workers and families keep their heads above the water, and starts to fix the underlying weaknesses that have made this crisis so much worse than it needed to be.
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About Opportunity Wisconsin
Opportunity Wisconsin is a coalition of Wisconsin residents fighting for an economy that works for working people. Through our stories, we’re elevating the real consequences of the destructive economic policies championed by President Trump and his allies these past three years, and showing how they have made Wisconsin’s economy worse off. Join us in demanding our elected officials focus more on growing the economy for middle class folks and expanding opportunity for all Wisconsinites, not just the wealthy few. To learn more about Opportunity Wisconsin, visit OpportunityWisconsin.org or stay connected on Twitter at @OpportunityWI and on Facebook at Facebook.com/OpportunityWI.